ZD21 Valve Cover Gasket

[Captain13]

Is the valve cover gasket re-usable on a ZD21? I want to check the crankcase breather element in mine. I’m getting an oil drip after mowing in this heat and want to clean that breather element inside the valve cover. I don’t want to take off the valve cover if the gasket is not reusable until I can pick one up. Thanks.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is the valve cover gasket re-usable on a ZD21? I want to check the crankcase breather element in mine. I’m getting an oil drip after mowing in this heat and want to clean that breather element inside the valve cover. I don’t want to take off the valve cover if the gasket is not reusable until I can pick one up. Thanks.

Yes they are reusable, they are a rubber gasket.

 

[Captain13]

Thanks Wolfman. That’s a big help.

 

[Captain13]

Maybe it’s the heat. Changed oil two days ago and mowed twice, both times getting oil drip after it sits for a few minutes. Oil level is normal. Kubota filter. The mesh filter was very clean. I took it out and cleaned it and could see through it before I soaked it. Anyway, it‘s clean and back on the engine.

 

[kubotafreak]

What oil are you running in it? Is it perhaps too full? You may try reducing the oil level to below the max line. Some are more finicky about windage. Do you have many hills you mow? Hopefully its not due to blow by. Easy way to check is open the oil cap, and let it rest on the opening to see how much it moves if any.

 

[Captain13]

I use 15w-40. It’s right on the full mark. Flat terrain mowing. Just really hot the last few days. It doesn’t appear to be blow-by. No diesel smell in the oil either. Oil is clean (4 hours since change). The drip starts about five minutes after I shut it down and the leak makes a spot about 3 inches in diameter but not puddling. It drips slowly and spreads out over a few minutes. Not smoking out the vent tube while running.

 

[Captain13]

i can’t put this mystery to bed but I finished mowing thick Bermuda today with a heat index of 102. Went through my normal cool down cycle and shut down the mower. No oil drips out of the tube. I’m glad but wish I knew what caused it earlier. Case closed, I guess.